Starting Monday, Oct. 4, WSU-inspired Shockolates will be available for purchase by Cocoa Dolce. They include a solid milk chocolate bar and a six-piece sampler collection.

Cocoa Dolce to introduce WSU-inspired Shockolates

Friday, October 01, 2010

Fans of Wichita State University will have a new way to savor their favorite university, thanks to a line of Shocker-inspired chocolates created by Wichita’s Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates.

Available Monday, Oct. 4, Shockolates will initially consist of a solid milk chocolate bar, a six-piece sampler collection and a solid chocolate “Wu on a stick.” These new products serve both a practical and emotional purpose for WSU alumna and Cocoa Dolce founder Beth Tully.

“As an alum, the idea of Shockolates just seemed like the perfect way to pay homage to the university that I not only love but that helped give me my start,” said Tully. “Plus, there are thousands of other Shockers out there equally as passionate about WSU—and chocolate—as I am, so I know there’s a market.”

Shockolates will be available at the Cocoa Dolce retail store in Wichita’s Bradley Fair, online at www.cocoadolce.com, in the WSU Bookstore and at concession stands in Charles Koch Arena during all WSU athletic events.

Wade Robinson

“Everyone at the university is really excited and truly honored,” said Wade Robinson, WSU vice president for Campus Life and University Relations. “Shockolates are going to provide a really fun way to shine a light on both an incredible university and the outstanding achievements of its alums.”

On Saturday, Oct. 2, attendees of the university’s annual Rockin’ the Roundhouse fundraising event got a sneak peek at the product line. The general public will get a taste of the new product when Cocoa Dolce hosts a free launch event from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at their Bradley Fair store. Event attendees will have an opportunity to get a photo taken with WuShock, sample Shockolates and receive free Wichita State mementos.

“It’s going to be kind of like a mini pep rally, complete with plenty of Shocker spirit,” said Tully.

And while the first pieces of Shockolate have yet to hit the shelves, plans are already under way to extend the product line across Cocoa Dolce’s current offerings.

“There is no shortage of ideas, from chocolates based on prominent WSU figures to a special blend of Shocker coffee—even Shockolate gift baskets—we plan on doing it all,” said Tully.

About Cocoa Dolce

Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates, with the only practicing Master Chocolatier in Kansas, opened its doors in 2005 specializing in handcrafted chocolates. Since that time, the company has developed a national reputation, regularly appearing in “best of” lists across the country, and was recently a national finalist for the 2010 U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year award. Founder Beth Tully earned her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in 1976 and, prior to opening Cocoa Dolce, received business consultation and training from the Kansas Small Business Development Center at WSU. Get a taste of Cocoa Dolce at www.cocoadolce.com.